The upskilling need is well evidenced across all sectors subject to the impact of net-zero, electrification and digitalisation; all of which changes **_the why, what, when, where, how, and whom of work_** and thus the make-up of the work, workforce and workplace.
Upskilling is a key **planning strategy** for both employers and workers in adapting to the rapidly changing demands of the modern workplace and workspace, adapting to technological change, shifts in industry standards and competency requirements, career aspirations and enhancing business productivity. However, employers are finding this difficult due to the scale of the problem, its complexity and the pace of change needed.
**Upskilling is problem of competency management** is a way for both employers and individuals to invest in their human capital, aligning organisational and individual goals to provide meaningful and productive work. This is not without challenges. Current upskilling approaches tend to be organisational 'Skills-based' approaches based on pre-defined skillsets, and AI learning platforms to close upskilling 'gaps' via learning or teaching new 'skills' . In safety critical conservative sectors, such as Rail, innovative solutions are often considered too risky. A feasibility project provides a timely intervention to evidence what is achievable and the benefits.
**UpskillNow** is a feasibility study of how AI can be leveraged to design and deliver a robust, scalable, dynamic and cost-effective solution to **sectorial upskilling** challenges such as the rail sector. The rail sector needs to urgently upskill 140,000 of it's current workforce. This will be a major challenge between now and 2030 and potential to cost the sector £ 450 m is not addressed. It is also a sector that is being pressed for saving and increased productivity at a level comparable to other sectors but at a much faster pace.
NSAR, a leader in workforce planning, and Dynamic Knowledge a specialist in AI competency management solutions, are collaborating to test the feasibility of bringing a new AI enabled **UpskillNOW** platform to market.
**UpskillNow** takes a dynamic, multi-dimensional (not just skills), multi-faceted (not just acquisition), context-aware (place, pace, progression etc.) approach where we consider **upskilling** as the _migration from one **competency profile**_ to another**_._** Competency profiling provides the pivot of business logic for employers and individuals concerned with acquiring, applying, developing and evolving competences required at or for work.
A key emphasis in the project will be identifying and applying best practice in terms of responsible, trustworthy and people-centred AI.
Over the next few years, the construction sector will witness a wave of infrastructure projects (£60 billion of spend each year over the next decade) and ground work will be undertaken to set future financial settlements. The pace of this growth, and the size of this opportunity, demands a construction sector that is the best in the world. To maximise the opportunities to drive efficiency savings across the delivery of the transport infrastructure pipeline, this proposal brings together key UK Transport Client groups, Suppliers and academic experts to establish a Transport Infrastructure Efficiency 'Living Lab' to build capability within delivery, innovation and managing construction risk.
The UK has had a modest track record of infrastructure delivery with some programmes completed late; over budget; failing to secure the benefits expected; or cancelled after a significant investment. With the increasing challenge and complexity of the government's pipeline of major projects, the capacity to deliver is being stretched. The estimation of cost and schedule can be improved and major projects and programmes are tending to avoid innovation risk. These attitudes to uncertainty and risk are deeply engrained and cultural, with inconsistencies across Departments and ALBs. Together, they create barriers to the greater uptake of Modern Methods of Construction and driving productivity. This proposal offers a strategic, scalable and sector wide approach with Government, Client Groups, Suppliers and Academia working in partnership.
To overcome these challenges, the 'Living lab' will work in collaboration with i3P and the CIH to tackle the systemic issues that still obstruct the use, integration and adoption of innovations that could drive productivity and wider social benefits through major construction schemes. It will be a catalyst for cultural change, shifting focus within infrastructure delivery decision-making from the costs of construction to an understanding of its whole life value.
Statement from Professor Lord Robert Mair, Cambridge University, Chair of the DFT Science Advisory Council and Member, Transport Research & Innovation Board:
"This demonstrator is a transformative collaboration. It uses data, technology and Modern Methods of Construction within live transport infrastructure projects to showcase the value of data visualisation through real-time data control rooms and demonstrates where we can drive even greater productivity and efficiency through innovation transfer. By implementing advanced construction and engineering techniques on live projects, we will deliver significantly better outcomes for society and provide the evidence needed to scale how we drive productivity across the transport infrastructure sector."